St. Isaac Jogues is kicking off Catholic Schools Week with an open house on Sunday focusing on their expanded pre-school program.

The expanded program was in response to the increase of two working parents, or children living with one parent, according to school officials.

Principal Ann Kolley said starting next year the school will offer “100 percent customizable” scheduling in its preschool program.

“Right now we only offer a Tuesday-Thursday, 3-year-old class, which is two hours, and a Monday-Wednesday-Friday, 4-year-old class,” she said. “Next year we are taking it to the next level and making it Monday through Friday, all day, every day ... the parents can pick their own schedule to fit their needs.”

Teachers will all be on hand at the open house to answer questions. Also slated to attend are members of the parent club, the school advisory committee, student council, chess club and drama club. Current students and their parents are welcome to attend also.

During the event school officials also will have a chance to show off the school’s extensive variety of sports activities, including football, basketball, baseball, softball, track and golf.

“We have a huge sports program, so there will be games going on in the gym so (visitors) will be able to see our basketball teams,” Kolley said.

Activities at the church include:

•  All-school Mass at 8:30 a.m. Monday along with drop everything and read day in the afternoon.
• On Tuesday it’s Teacher and Staff Appreciation Day.
• Wednesday is Big Brother/Big Sister activity day and St. Isaac Jogues spirit day;.
• Thursday is student appreciation day.
• A volleyball will be held at 2 p.m. Friday.

Other schools' plans

St. Germaine and St. Joan of Arc schools have also slated special events and activities all week to mark Catholic Schools Week.

St. Germaine Principal Julie DeGrez said the school will hold its Open House from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

"It's an opportunity for families to come into our school and tour, and learn about our programs," DeGrez said. "We've got a lot to offer. Our current families are invited as well."

St. Joan of Arc Catholic School also plans an Open House and Learning Fair 6 - 8:30 p.m. Thursday as part of Catholic Schools Week events.

 “There will be lots of exhibits and other things going on,” commented parent volunteer Sue Race, “including one of our most popular ones, the living wax museum, where students will be dressed up to represent famous people in history.”

Another highlight of the evening is an exhibit of story board quilts, courtesy of the Quilting Guild of Metro Detroit, and a demonstration of interactive white boards, which are interactive computer devices on which students can study, take tests and do lessons.

Additional events inlcude:

• The first formal celebration will be an all school mass Monday. Sixth, seventh and eighth grade students will be participating in a snowman building competition.
• Tuesday is Comfy/Movie day for the students to wear "comfy" clothes and view an age and theme appropriate movie.    
• Wacky Wednesday is another non-uniform day, with mismatched clothes, tropical attire, casual hair styles and the like all acceptable on this day.  The students will be bringing in donations of socks and hair care products for U.S. soldiers serving overseas.  
• Thursday is favorite team day at St. Joan of Arc. Student Council 0fficers will attend Mass at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit
• Friday is red and white day for the students. There will also be a volleyball and contest in the gym.