WHEREAS, Catholic schools will be celebrating "Catholic Schools Week 2007" by recognizing the good news in education today; and
     WHEREAS, Across the United States, close to half of the students enrolled in private schools attend Catholic schools; and
     WHEREAS, Catholic schools encourage parent and community involvement in schools via a school board, commission, council, or parent organization; and
     WHEREAS, Close to 200,000 teachers and staff have answered the call to service in Catholic schools; and
     WHEREAS, Parents of children attending Catholic schools make sacrifices in order to send their children to a school that shares their religious beliefs; and
     WHEREAS, Catholic education is an integral part of the mission of the Catholic Church, and its strong commitment to students and educational excellence is of great value to the State of Washington; and
     WHEREAS, Catholic schools have been enriching students' lives in Washington State for more than one hundred fifty years; and
     WHEREAS, Catholic schools encourage and prepare students to obtain high levels of achievement through religious, academic, and cocurricular programs, and the schools are committed to serving students of diverse backgrounds; and
     WHEREAS, Catholic schools have produced many of our finest leaders throughout this state and nation, committed to service, and Catholic Schools Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of the schools to our State; and
     WHEREAS, Catholic schools across the nation are celebrating "Catholic Schools Week 2007";
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the Catholic schools of Washington State and honor their academic excellence and faith-based instruction during this celebration of Catholic Schools Week, January 28, 2007, through February 3, 2007; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the school departments at the Archdiocese of Seattle, the Diocese of Spokane, the Diocese of Yakima, and the Washington State Catholic Conference.