"Why Top Catholic Education Organization Says Common Core Could Threaten Religious Liberty"

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014/08/21/why-top-catholic-education-organization-says-common-core-could-threaten-religious-liberty/


"A leading Catholic education organization is warning that Common Core could pose a threat to religious freedom for Catholic schools that adopt the controversial education standards.


The Cardinal Newman Society’s summer newsletter named among the 10 things Catholics should know about Common Core is that it “could lead to religious liberty violations.” That’s in part because of the Department of Health and Human Services mandate to cover contraception coverage for employees.


“Catholic schools’ protection from threats like the HHS mandate depends on showing consistent Catholic identity, because First Amendment protections often depend on demonstrating a bona fide religious character,” the newsletter warned. “The Common Core may diminish a school’s Catholic identity by ‘crowding out’ important elements of authentic Catholic formation, emphasizing skills and practicality over vocation, and failing to teach reasoning from a foundation of truth.”


Further, as more Catholic schools adopt Common Core-certified textbooks and have to comply with Common Core exams, that could in turn lead to schools’ accepting more federal and state funding, which often has strings attached, said Denise Donohue, deputy director of the K-12 Catholic Education Program for the Cardinal Newman Society."

"Can Blended Learning Save Catholic Schools?"

https://www.edsurge.com/n/2014-09-09-can-blended-learning-save-catholic-schools


"Catholic schools in the United States are at a crossroads.
The challenges facing many Catholic schools--low enrollment and threats to financial sustainability--put them in a position where they must close their doors unless something dramatic changes. And many have.


There are 500,000 fewer students enrolled in Catholic schools in the U.S. than there were 10 years ago. Over the last fifty years, closures have shrunk the system by more than half, from 5 million to less than 2 million students. Recent research suggests there are dire consequences for entire communities when a Catholic school closes, and there are very few signs that these trends are abating.


Some have suggested that Catholic schools need to reinvent themselves for a new era if they are to survive. This need to adapt may make Catholic schools increasingly open to becoming early adopters of blended learning in an effort to ensure their future vitality. However, Catholic schools will need to overcome significant hurdles if blended learning is to become a key driver of their renewal."

"Allow families to budget shop for Catholic school uniforms"

http://catholicherald.com/stories/Allow-families-to-budget-shop-for-Catholic-school-uniforms,27158


"The children have returned to school with bright smiles, backpacks and uniforms — celebrating God’s love in all that they do. As a grandparent, I’m delighted to have the pleasure in sharing in the everyday life of my grandchildren. They truly are a gift from God. It is wonderful that they have the opportunity to attend an elementary school supported by the Catholic faith. This comes at high financial costs to the parents and the parish."

"Charlotte Catholic School to build parking deck"

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/09/23/5185585/charlotte-catholic-school-to-build.html#.VCLaUzd0wdU

By Elisabeth Arriero The Charlotte Observer     

"Charlotte Catholic High School is preparing to break ground on a new parking garage as early as December, a move some parents say will improve safety at the school."

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/09/23/5185585/charlotte-catholic-school-to-build.html#storylink=cpy"

"Fallout in the neighborhood when a Catholic school closes"

http://www.uscatholic.org/news/201408/fallout-neighborhood-when-catholic-school-closes-29276#sthash.LxlefFlQ.dpuf


"(RNS) What happens to a community when a Roman Catholic school closes its doors?"

"Cathedral Catholic High School mourns loss of student"

http://www.10news.com/news/cathedral-catholic-high-school-mourns-loss-of-student-09132014




"SAN DIEGO - At Cathedral Catholic High School Friday night, the stands were full for football as they took on Torrey Pines. Cathedral would win the game 8-7, but it is what happened before players took the field that students were talking about."

"Catholic school closings mean a big adjustment for hundreds of children"

http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/schools/catholic-school-closings-mean-a-big-adjustment-for-hundreds-of-children-20140914


"Sophia Fuller had a happy outing last week, meeting up at the playground with a couple of friends from her old school. The little girls played, laughed, hugged.


For an hour that evening, things were the way they used to be – almost.


But for 8-year-old Sophia – as for hundreds of other children across the region – life is very different now.


These children are starting over in new classrooms, following the closing of 10 Catholic elementary schools across the diocese in June.


That means this can be a challenging, even difficult, time for many students who loved their former schools."