Catholic Schools Week is a time to celebrate faith-based education and all the accomplishments of faculty, staff and students. While schools in the Diocese of Gary will be marking the occasion with special themed days, fun activities and food during the week of Jan. 25-31, families within the community can take a closer look at what the schools offer during some open house events scheduled at the beginning of the week.
Sally Skowronski, principal of Nativity of Our Savior School in Portage, said she wants parents to know that Catholic education is about forming the whole child. While academic excellence is a priority, the school’s mission goes much deeper than test scores or grades.
“We are intentional about teaching our students how to live with faith, integrity and compassion,” she said. “We want them to grow as learners but also as disciples of Christ who are prepared to lead and serve others.”
At Nativity, Skowronski is most proud of the growth the staff has seen in the students academically, spiritually and socially. She said the students continue to embrace our faith-centered mission, and the teachers go above and beyond to create engaging and supportive learning environments and our families continue to partner with faculty in meaningful ways.
“Watching our Nativity family live out our values daily is what makes this year especially rewarding,” she said. “We are growing and thriving!”
Skowronski shared that when families come to the open house, they can expect to experience what makes the school special. Visitors will be able to visit classrooms, meet with teachers and staff and tour its welcoming environment. The middle schoolers are excited to lead tours and share their experiences at Nativity.
“We love answering questions and making prospective families feel welcome,” Skowronski said. “Most importantly, I hope visitors leave with a sense of our strong community, our commitment to faith and learning and the warmth and joy that our students experience every day. We affectionately call this the ‘Nativity Difference.’"
At St. Paul School, Amanda Bookholt, marketing and enrollment director, shared that visitors to the Valparaiso site will also get the chance to “meet our dedicated teachers, tour the school, and learn what it truly means to be a Panther.”
“They’ll experience our classrooms in action, our strong sense of community and the spirit that makes our school special,” she said.
Bookholt explained that the school community has grown, with class size averaging about 22 students per class. The school has two classes, Pre-K to 5th grade and a robust middle school. Additionally, it added wonderful faculty to its team this school year. However, Bookholt said the faculty and staff are still most proud of the growth it sees in the students – academically, spiritually and socially.
“They have embraced challenges, supported one another and truly lived out our values, making our school community stronger and more joyful,” she said.
Bookholt stated Catholic education offers the best of both worlds: strong academics that prepare students for success, rooted in a deep foundation of faith. Beyond the classroom, families become part of a joyful, supportive community where values are lived, friendships grow and learning is engaging and fun.
Principal of Our Lady of Grace School, Mark Topp, conveyed the same sentiments, saying that Catholic education combines academic excellence with learning to love God.
“God's presence is felt in every classroom and in every subject,” he said. “We attend Mass to praise and thank God for all of our gifts and blessings.”
Due to a generous donation, Topp said the Highland school was grateful to be able to give the entire school staff a generous, unexpected Thanksgiving bonus this year.
“It really helped with school morale,” he added. “Thanking them for all they do for our students.”
Topp said at the upcoming open house, parents will be able to pick up registration information for the 2026-7 School year, including Indiana Choice Scholarship information in addition to having the opportunity to meet all classroom teachers and Home and School Association parent volunteers.
OPEN HOUSE EVENTS
St. Mary Catholic Community School, Crown Point, Jan. 21, 6-8 p.m. & Jan. 25, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Our Lady of Grace School, Highland, Jan. 25, 12-3 p.m.
St. Paul Catholic School, Valparaiso, Jan. 25, 10:30 a.m.
St. Michael School, Schererville, Jan. 25, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
St. Thomas More School, Munster, Jan. 25, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
For a complete list of schools within the Diocese of Gary, visit https://dcgary.org/find-a-school.
