Bishop Hayes has seen many wonderful events happen this year.
In September, the Blessed Sacrament was placed in the tabernacle in the school chapel. Bishop Hayes celebrated with an all-school Mass in the gym, and then Father Joseph Sia led a student procession through the school to the chapel. This special occasion has given the school the opportunity to hold weekly class Masses in the chapel instead of in the gym.
On Oct. 2 Bishop Hayes students and staffers participated in the World War II Memorial parade in honor of the veterans who were part of a trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the World War II Memorial. Students greeted the veterans, waving posters and banners as the veterans passed by the school along their parade route.
Nov. 4 brought the presidential elections to Bishop Hayes. Kindergarten through fifth-grade students and staffers registered to vote the week before, and on election day, they voted in the school’s “voting booth.” It was a great learning opportunity.
On Dec. 5, the annual Holiday Stroll took place. Each December on a Friday night, downtown Muscatine businesses extend their evening hours and invite the community to stroll through and enjoy the Christmas decorations, music, snacks and hot chocolate. Bishop Hayes students were invited to sing Christmas songs for the public in two of the businesses.
Catholic Schools Week in January brought community and students together again in several of the activities including a soup supper/open house, Neighborhood Appreciation Day, staff appreciation luncheon, Student Appreciation Day with sundaes and bingo, and a Catholic Schools Week Mass and parish gathering, with snacks and desserts served by Bishop Hayes teachers and staffers.
As you can see, whether it is an event that brings the community and school together, a lesson on the election or a religious activity, Bishop Hayes Catholic School continues to value life, faith and learning in all it does.
