2012 -- S 2305

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2012

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S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING JANUARY 29 THROUGH FEBRUARY 4, 2012, AS CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

WEEK IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Senators DiPalma, Ruggerio, Tassoni, Paiva Weed, and Goodwin

     Date Introduced: February 02, 2012

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

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     WHEREAS, Catholic Schools are centers of education where students witness, share, and

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grow in the Catholic faith community; and

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     WHEREAS, Within a framework of Catholic Christian values, Catholic Schools strive to

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provide academic excellence, to nurture spiritual, physical, and emotional growth, and to assist

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students to become lifelong promoters of the Gospel message; and

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     WHEREAS, Catholic schools enjoy a level of involvement, commitment, and

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expectations on the part of Catholic school parents and teachers that is very high; and

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     WHEREAS, Catholic schools offer a higher level of discipline and order; and

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     WHEREAS, Catholic school policies regarding course work, homework, and ability level

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grouping are extremely effective; and

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     WHEREAS, Rhode Island’s Catholic Schools are acclaimed for their academic

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excellence. Their elementary school students consistently score above average in national

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standardized tests in all subject areas, and their high school graduation rate is nearly 100 percent;

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and

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     WHEREAS, Nearly 98 percent of those graduates pursue higher education; and

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     WHEREAS, There are currently 44 Catholic elementary schools with an enrollment of an

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estimated 14,000 students in the Diocese of Providence; and

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     WHEREAS, Rhode Island Catholic Schools provide parents with a choice in their child’s

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educational journey; and

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     WHEREAS, Rhode Island Catholic Schools have provided more than $1.4 million in

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tuition assistance to 1,800 low-income students this academic year; and

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     WHEREAS, For every child that attends a Catholic School, more financial resources are

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made available for public school teachers and students; and

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     WHEREAS, Catholic Schools Week, observed January 29 to February 4 nationwide,

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provides a special opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Rhode Island’s Catholic Schools,

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to thank those who are involved in this ministry, and to affirm a commitment to education; and

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     WHEREAS, The theme for this year’s Catholic Schools Week is “Catholic Schools:

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Faith, Academics, Service,” words that define the very purpose of such schools; and

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     WHEREAS, As Bishop Tobin recently stated, Catholic schools are also well known for

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their academic achievements, offering a comprehensive and demanding program of classroom

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learning and extracurricular activities, and also motivate students to generosity and service,

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helping others in the name of Christ and sharing the gifts and blessings they themselves have

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received; now, therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

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hereby proclaims January 29 through February 4, 2012, to be Catholic Schools Week in the State

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of Rhode Island; and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That we applaud the efforts and support the goals of Rhode Island Catholic

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Schools Week, an annual celebration sponsored by the Rhode Island Catholic Schools Parent

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Federation. We furthermore congratulate the students, parents, teachers, and administrators for

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their dedicated commitment to the education of Rhode Island’s youth, and for the key role they

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play in promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger future for the State of Rhode Island; and be it

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further

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     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Most Reverend Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of

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Providence, and the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Rhode Island Catholic Schools

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Parents Federation.

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