At Our Lady of Fatima, manners matter! This Fall, Play Doh took on a whole new role helping students practice mealtime etiquette. They got hands-on experience learning how to hold utensils correctly, cut their food, and set the table. This was truly learning through play, as students discovered why following these everyday rules at the table help to promote cleanliness and show respect for others. This activity was part of a larger series of activities exploring civics in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. But what do table manners have to do with civics? Civics helps students understand their roles and responsibilities as members of a community. By learning to follow shared expectations and show consideration for others, students develop habits that contribute to a peaceful society.

The Diocese of Stockton was thrilled to welcome author and theologian Brett Salkeld as the keynote speaker for this year’s Back-to-School Inservice, presenting to over 300 of our educators on “Making Every Class Catholic.” Brett delivered an inspiring reminder that our Catholic identity can (and should!) permeate every aspect of our Catholic schools. Catholic education looks beyond preparing students for graduation, college, successful careers, and productivity (all great things!). “Every education presumes an anthropology,” he says, and if our vision is limited to those achievements, we are essentially priming them for the rat race. Our schools aim higher: to form hearts and minds for heaven by instilling “a Christian vision of the world, of life, of culture, and history.” Whether teaching theology, math, science, or art; coaching; serving as an administrator; maintaining our facilities; or supporting our schools in countless other ways, each of us has a role in helping students discover not only what they are learning, but what they are made for.