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Starting Monday through Feb. 1, the school will celebrate Catholic Schools Week. With a theme of "Catholic Schools Light the Way," Bishop Kelley has marked its place in the community for 58 years and is planning activities to celebrate the anniversary.

"I think we have high academic standards and Christian values," said Bishop Kelley School Principal Anne Estelle. "We can talk about our faith throughout the day and pray. Whenever an ambulance goes by our kids say a prayer. We try to do charity work each month."

Other students, parents, and staff members talked about what they liked most about Bishop Kelley and what makes it a strong school.

"I think it's a school centered around God and education," said Rosemary Spankie, first-grade classroom aide. "The virtues are emphasized. The children learn academic excellence and to be a light to others."

Richard Horn has three daughters who attend Bishop Kelley: Rebecca, Victoria, and Katrina. "My kids are getting a great education and they're getting a good Christian upbringing in this school," he said and added his daughters have attended the school for four years.

Patty Lewis' three children, Lily, Frank, and Ruby also attend Bishop Kelley. Patty has come to appreciate the family values of the Catholic school. "In a world that's moving so fast, they can concentrate on morals and values here," she said and added her kids have attended the school for six years. "It's fun. The teachers welcome you. The biggest thing is the Christian foundation."

Religion and its associated values are part of each student's daily education.

"It's a pleasure to learn more about God each day," said Clemens, 8, a third-grader.

"I've gone here awhile. I love having my friends here and learning about religion. We go to Mass on Fridays," said third-grader Mary Edwards, 9.

Joe Crown, 9, third-grade, likes the religious aspect of the school. "I like learning about God and how Jesus died on the cross," he said.

For Becky Harris, 14, it is important that everyone gets along at the school she's called home since kindergarten. She also valued the quality of schooling there.

"We're taking algebra one in eighth-grade and l like taking a higher level," the eighth-grader said.

Vicki Caskey has been a teacher at Bishop Kelley for 18 years. She enjoys teaching at the school and being able to practice her faith openly. Caskey attended the school as a student for eight years. "The other nice thing about this school is the family atmosphere," she said.

The school will kick-off the week with an open house 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today. Parents of Bishop Kelley students will speak at all the masses. There will be free coffee and doughnuts afterward.

Kim Govitz, marketing and alumni coordinator for Bishop Kelley said Monday will be rock 'n' roll day to usher in Catholic Schools Week. Students and staff are invited to dress in 1950s, 60s, 70s, or 80s styles to represent the school's 58 years of Catholic education. There will be an assembly at 9 a.m. Monday punctuated by a sock hop at 2 p.m. that day. Admission to the sock hop requires socks, mittens, hats, gloves, or blankets. Proceeds will be provided to Love, INC. A representative from the organization will explain to Bishop Kelley students how food and baby pantries and soup kitchens are operated, along with Loving Hands Health Clinic at Maple Grove Church, which is a free health clinic for those with or without medical insurance or government assistance.

Tuesday of Catholic Schools Week will be opposite/backwards day. Students are invited to dress in mixed up/backwards clothes to show that it's OK to be different. Wednesday is pajama day as the school invites children to be comfortable with the person God made them to be. Thursday will be cultural day and kids will dress in their country's traditional clothing. Students will also get to enjoy the Skylab, which belongs to the Lapeer County Intermediate School District and is an indoor planetarium that will be at the school Thursday and Friday. Dress uniform/hat day is Friday and students will wear hats after Mass to remember to put a cap on name calling and bad words.

Jennifer Decker can be reached at 664-0811, Ext. 8125 or jennifer.decker@lapeergroup.com.