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Local Catholic schools encouraged to tell their stories during CSW 2021
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By Beth Donze
CLARION HERALD
Recognizing that social media is an integral component of spreading the good news of Catholic education, elementary and high schools across the Archdiocese of New Orleans are being encouraged by the Department of Catholic Education and Faith Formation to step up their social media presence during the upcoming Jan. 31-Feb. 6 Catholic Schools Week (CSW).
Timing is everything: Research shows that social media “chatter” about Catholic education peaks during CSW.
The department offered the following tips to help schools get their stories out to a wider audience. They were formulated for use during CSW; however, they can be adapted for schools’ use throughout the year:
• Share what your school has to offer to the community, whether it’s by posting a daily message, picture or video.
• Be sure to answer these questions in your post: What are you celebrating? How are you celebrating? With whom are you celebrating?• Take a selfie with your parish priest, the student body or faculty members. Tell your audience why your school is thankful to be celebrating CSW.
• Use photos and/or video in all of your posts. Not only does this increase engagement, it’s also a great way for viewers to visualize how you are celebrating. Please make sure face masks are properly worn in all images and footage. In your Facebook posts, consider tagging the National Catholic Educational Association and New Orleans Catholic Schools. Twitter tag your posts @NCEATalk. The official hashtag for this year’s Catholic Schools Week celebration is #CSW21.
Daily themes during CSW
To help schools organize their CSW 2021 programming and social media blasts, the Department of Catholic Education and Faith Formation has devised a theme for each day of Catholic Schools Week which can in turn be pushed out on all social media platforms.
• Jan. 31: “Celebrating Parish Leaders.” Consider marking the connection between your church and school by asking your pastor to dedicate one of your parish’s weekend Masses to Catholic education. To represent their schools, students can wear their uniforms to this Mass and thank parishioners for their support. Consider recruiting Catholic school students to fill liturgical roles, such as readers and gift bearers, at the Mass.
• Feb. 1: “Celebrating the Community.” Tell the community about a past, present or planned school-wide service project in which your students are participating, including why your students are rallying to fill that particular need. Tell the story of why it is important for your students, faculty, staff and parents to put their faith into action.
• Feb. 2: “Celebrating Faculty, Staff and Volunteers.” Invite students and parents to bring in special treats and prayers for teachers, staff and other school helpers. Thank them for their kindness, their professionalism and the difference they make in so many lives. Another fun idea is to create a dress-down day in which the teachers dress like their students and students come dressed as their teachers.
• Feb. 3: “Celebrating the Nation.” Recognize the many teachers, parents and others who are products of Catholic education themselves. Consider asking these alumni of Catholic education to share pictures of their Catholic school days and celebrate the school spirit of their own alma maters during CSW 2021. Another way to celebrate the impact of Catholic education: Have students write letters to their state representatives explaining what their Catholic school means to them.
• Feb. 4: “Celebrating Vocations.” Thank your priests – and the deacons who assist them – for leading your school Masses. Celebrate future vocations by inviting your students to dress up for their future careers. Ask your priests, religious sisters and brothers to share details on their personal journey of faith and call to vocation.
• Feb. 5: “Celebrating Students.” Designate today as “Student Appreciation Day.” On this school week wrap-up day of CSW, consider permitting your students to wear pajamas to school and enjoy a movie and popcorn. With the principal’s permission, the day could also be designated a “zero-homework” day. Pick a student at random to be the honorary principal for the day. Tell your social media audience about any “new” school rules he or she may have implemented!
• Feb. 6: “Celebrating Families.” Ways to reach out include assigning a fun math task to parents and extending a special welcome to new school families. Thank all of the supportive parents and grandparents who volunteer for and/or attend school events and who educate and form their children in the faith, especially in these challenging times of the pandemic.